The Friends of the Natatorium, which maintains this site, advocates for the preservation and restoration of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial. We seek the return of this spectacular facility to active recreational use by the families of Oahu and by visitors to Hawai’i.

The 100 by 40-meter ocean swimming course was opened in 1927 as a tribute to more than 10,000 servicemen from Hawai’i who served in World War I, including at least 101 who died in that war. It was Territorial Hawai’i’s official monument to their service and sacrifice, designed as a “living memorial” and as a symbol of the way of life they fought to defend. The Friends believes that, in allowing the Natatorium to deteriorate and eventually to close, the State of Hawai’i and City and County of Honolulu shamefully broke faith with and dishonored those World War I soldiers and sailors.

Neglect of the Natatorium also broke faith with the generations of Hawai’i families who brought children to learn to swim in its waters, with the athletic icons of Hawai’i who competed there in national and international aquatic competitions, and with all who love the history and cultural legacy that make Hawai’i unique among the 50 states.

The Friends of the Natatorium was incorporated in 1986 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Since then, its all volunteer directors and supporters have worked tirelessly to educate government officials and the general public about the Natatorium’s epic past and potential future.

Allies in our Cause

Preservation, repair and reopening of the Natatorium has been formally endorsed by a broad base of stakeholders, including veteran, Native Hawaiian, and historic preservation groups. Among them:

Mahalo to the leaders and members of each of these outstanding organizations for their valuable support.

We’ve also been proud over the years to have had the support of prominent government leaders, including the late Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai’i; Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii; well-known watermen, including Brian Keaulana; and Olympic gold medal swimmers and diver Bill Smith, Aileen Riggin Soule and Bill Woolsey. In 1988, Duke Kahanamoku’s widow, Nadine, wrote, “Always be a Friend of the Natatorium for Duke’s sake!”

Since 1989, the Friends has sponsored a Memorial Day Weekend observance in the park outside the Natatorium to honor America’s war dead and veterans and to keep faith with those in whose memory the Natatorium was built. Veterans Day services at the Natatorium have been led each year by VFW Post 8616.

What You Can Do

To learn more about what you can do to help us Remember, Respect and Renew the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial, visit our “What else can I do?” page. To donate to our effort, go to our contributions page. You can contact us here.

We owe an unpayable debt of gratitude to avid supporters and past members of the board of directors of the Friends of the Natatorium. Far too many of them have dedicated decades of tireless advocacy and died without seeing the Natatorium restored to its intended use. Past members of honorary and regular boards can be found listed here.